I am currently available to hire for editorial work on Reedsy.
Overview
I am an Hugo, Aurora, and British Fantasy Award Winning Editor, and a Nebula nominated game developer. I have been working in the field of editorial since 2011, where I started editing textbooks out of my graduate program at Sarah Lawrence in Women's History.
Over the course of my near decade as an editor, I have worked for Fireside Magazine, Uncanny Magazine and dozens of independent author clients, as well as large publishing houses to develop fiction and non-fiction for successful storytelling.
I believe that refining and sharpening the written word is magic. Every word you use has meaning, and finding the right ones can be hard on your own. Which is why a good and compassionate editor is worth finding. I approach the work of each author I work with from the lens of compassionate editorial.
As a sensitivity reader I work with my authors to understand my perspective as a Deafblind woman, living in a world that isn't always as clear cut as one might expect. I offer practical examples, research and more. I also offer alternative solutions to problematic plot points - I don't leave my authors holding the bag, but I offer them support in solving the problems caused by inaccurate or harmful representation.
As a developmental editor I spend time not just evaluating the text, but the worldbuilding and character development to tell comprehensive and compelling stories.
Unlike some editors, I never want my authors to hand me a jar of their tears when I'm done with their work. I seek to create a supportive collaboration so that you feel ready to send your story out into the world.
Selected Editorial Experience
Non-Fiction Editor. Uncanny Magazine. 2019-present.
I've worked for Uncanny Magazine in two separate ways over the last few years. First, I was the Guest Co-Editor in Chief of Disabled People Destroy Science fiction alongside Dominik Parisien (for which we won multiple awards).
And then I was hired starting in January of 2020 to edit the general non-fiction section of the magazine, where I curate, edit and produce content across a wide variety of subjects suited to the Uncanny readership.
Rosenstrasse Editor. Unruly Designs. 2020.
Rosenstrasse is a tabletop freeform scenario with a strongly defined historical story weaving the lives of four pairs of men and women bound by love under the tightening chokehold of Nazi Germany. You can read more about the project here.
Managing Editor/ Assistant Editor. Fireside Magazine 2014-2018.
Managed behind the scenes editorial support and submissions for a quarterly print and digital magazine. Edited selected non-fiction, and wrote selected editorials as part of the duties behind the scenes. I worked closely with editor Julia Rios to develop tone and vision, as well.
Freelance Editor. 2009-present.
I have done a range of editorial jobs as a freelancer in the last decade and change.
I have sensitivity edited content for both independent authors and major publishers (Charlie Jane Anders' Rock Manning Goes for Broke and Anna Marie McLemore's Blanca & Roja are examples). I have edited pronunciation guides for narrators, copyedited textbooks for BWH Freeman, and proofread independent client essays and manuscripts.
I have worked as a dramaturge on new theatrical works, including "blahblahblahBANG" which was produced by the Washington Ensemble Theater in 2009.
I also provide developmental edits for non-fiction and fiction projects, as well as short fiction.
As a writer I am proficient in non-fiction essay work, and game design texts.
Testimonial
Elsa’s feedback brilliantly refines elements of plot and character. She is fast, thorough, and gives invaluable notes that range from small-detail to big-picture. Her approach is both incisive and encouraging, and guides stories toward becoming their best. I’m so grateful for her help on Blanca & Roja.
–Anna-Marie McLemore, author of When the Moon Was Ours and Wild Beauty